Golf club having removable weight

ABSTRACT

A golf club head includes a club head body and a weight member that is secured to the body. The weight member is constructed to utilize lateral forces to couple to the head body to minimize the structure required to retain the weight member, and the weight member is preferably constructed so that it has a low profile.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/318,271, filed on May 12, 2021, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/725,622, filed onDec. 23, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,013,966, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/224,478,filed on Dec. 18, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,518,145, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/043,052,filed on Jul. 23, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,376,756, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/339,797, filed onOct. 31, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,029,161, the disclosures of whichare incorporated by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to golf clubs, and more particularly, to golf clubheads having a removable weight.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The trend of lengthening golf courses to increase their difficulty hasresulted in a high percentage of amateur golfers constantly searchingfor ways to achieve more distance from their golf shots. The golfindustry has responded by providing golf clubs specifically designedwith distance and accuracy in mind. The size of wood-type golf clubheads has generally been increased while multi-material construction andreduced wall thicknesses have been included to provide more massavailable for selective placement through the head. The discretionarymass placement has allowed the club to possess a higher moment ofinertia (MOI), which translates to a greater ability to resist twistingduring off-center ball impacts and less of a distance penalty for thoseoff-center ball impacts.

Various methods are used to selectively locate mass throughout golf clubheads, including thickening portions of the body casting itself orstrategically adding a separate weight element during the manufacture ofthe club head. An example, shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,186,190, discloses agolf club head comprising a number of moveable weights attached to thebody of the club head. The club head includes a number of threaded portsinto which the moveable weights are screwed. Though the masscharacteristics of the golf club may be manipulated by rearranging themoveable weights, the cylindrical shape of the weights and the receivingfeatures within the golf club body necessarily moves a significantportion of the mass toward the center of the club head, which may notmaximize the peripheral weight of the club head or the MOI.

Alternative approaches for selectively locating mass in a club headutilize the incorporation of composite structures of multiple materials.These composite structures often utilize two, three, or more materials,including various metallic and non-metallic materials, that havedifferent physical properties including different densities. An exampleof this type of multi-material head is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,720,674.The club head comprises an arcuate portion of high-density materialbonded to a recess in the back-skirt. Because the different materialsincluded in the club head must be coupled, for example by welding,swaging, or using bonding agents such as epoxy, they may be subject todelamination or corrosion over time. This component delamination orcorrosion results in decreased performance in the golf club head and canlead to club head failure.

Though many methods of optimizing the mass properties of golf club headsexist, there remains a need in the art for a golf club head comprisingat least a removable weight having secure attachment and a low-profileso that the weight does not protrude into the center of the club headand negatively affect the location of the center of gravity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a golf club head having at leastone weight receptacle and at least one movable or removable weightmember.

One non-limiting embodiment of the present technology includes a golfclub head including a weight member, including a club head bodyincluding a plurality of body members that combine to define a hollowbody, wherein the body members include a face defining a ball-strikingsurface, a sole, a crown, and a skirt, wherein the sole extends aftwardfrom a lower edge of the face, wherein the crown extends aftward from anupper edge of the face, and wherein the skirt extends between the soleand the crown around a perimeter of the body; a weight mount disposed onat least one of the body members, wherein the weight mount includes anaperture defined by an outer surface of the golf club head body, whereinthe weight mount defines an undercut adjacent the aperture; and a weightmember including a weight body, a spring clip, and a locking mechanism,wherein the weight body includes a first flange that is spaced from asecond flange by a clip portion, wherein the weight body defines a borethat extends through the first flange and at least a portion of the clipportion, wherein the clip portion defines a plurality of aperturesextending radially through the clip portion, wherein the spring clip isdisposed on the clip portion; wherein the locking mechanism includes alocking member and a plurality of rollers, wherein each of the pluralityof rollers are disposed in one of the plurality of apertures in the clipportion, and wherein each of the rollers abuts a cam surface of thelocking member and an inner surface of the spring clip; wherein the camsurface of the locking member includes a plurality of detents and aplurality of ramps, wherein the cam surface of the locking member has anouter dimension that is different at different locations around thelocking member from a minimum distance at a detent to a maximumdimension on a ramp, wherein the locking member is rotatably coupled tothe weight body, wherein the spring clip is biased toward the center ofthe weight member, wherein in a first configuration of the weight memberthe lock member is oriented so that the plurality of rollers are alignedwith the plurality of detents and the spring clip forcibly abuts therollers, and wherein in a second configuration of the weight member thelock member is oriented so that the rollers forcibly abut the springclip to force the spring clip outward and away from the clip portion ofthe weight body and into the undercut.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thegolf club head includes a plurality of weight mounts.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thespring clip comprises a clip alignment feature, wherein the weight bodycomprises a body alignment feature, wherein the clip alignment featureengages the body alignment feature

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thelocking member includes a circumferential groove in an outer surface,and the weight body includes a circumferential groove in an innersurface formed by the bore, wherein a snap ring extends into thecircumferential groove of the locking member and the circumferentialgroove of the weight body so that the locking member is rotatablycoupled to the weight body in the bore.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology theplurality of rollers are a plurality of balls.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology theweight body includes at least one indicium, wherein the locking memberincludes at least one indicium, and wherein alignment of the at leastone indicium of the weight body and the at least one indicium of thelocking member corresponds to one of the first configuration of theweight member and the second configuration of the weight member.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thefirst flange of the weight body is annular, the second flange of theweight body is annular, and the clip portion of the weight body isannular.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology theweight mount includes an outer portion that is tapered, wherein thefirst flange of the weight body is tapered, wherein the first flangeabuts the tapered outer portion of the weight mount.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology theweight mount includes an inner portion that is tapered, wherein an edgeof the spring clip is tapered, wherein the tapered surface of the springclip abuts the tapered inner portion of the weight mount.

An additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology includesa flange gasket interposed between the first flange and an outer surfaceof the golf club head.

An additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology includesa weight member for a golf club head, including a weight body includinga first flange that is spaced from a second flange by a clip portion,wherein the weight body defines a bore that extends through the firstflange and at least a portion of the clip portion, wherein the clipportion defines a plurality of apertures extending radially through theclip portion; a spring clip disposed on the clip portion; and a lockingmechanism, wherein the locking mechanism includes a locking member and aplurality of rollers, wherein each of the plurality of rollers isdisposed in one of the plurality of apertures in the clip portion, andwherein each of the rollers abuts a cam surface of the locking memberand an inner surface of the spring clip; wherein the cam surface of thelocking member includes a plurality of detents and a plurality of ramps,wherein the locking member is rotatably coupled to the weight body,wherein the cam surface of the locking member has an outer dimensionthat is different at different locations around the locking member froma minimum distance at a detent to a maximum dimension on a ramp, whereinthe spring clip is biased toward the center of the weight member,wherein in a first configuration of the weight member the lock member isoriented so that the plurality of rollers are aligned with the pluralityof detents and the spring clip forcibly abuts the rollers into thedetents, and wherein in a second configuration of the weight member thelock member is oriented so that the rollers forcibly abut the springclip to force the spring clip outward and away from the clip portion ofthe weight body.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thespring clip comprises a clip alignment feature, wherein the weight bodycomprises a body alignment feature, wherein the clip alignment featureengages the body alignment feature.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thelocking member includes a circumferential groove in an outer surface andthe weight body includes a circumferential groove in an inner surfaceformed by the bore, wherein a snap ring extends into the circumferentialgroove of the locking member and the circumferential groove of theweight body so that the locking member is rotatably coupled to theweight body in the bore.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology theplurality of rollers is a plurality of balls.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology theweight body includes at least one indicium, wherein the locking memberincludes at least one indicium, and wherein alignment of the at leastone indicium of the weight body and the at least one indicium of thelocking member corresponds to one of the first configuration and thesecond configuration.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thefirst flange of the weight body is annular, the second flange of theweight body is annular, and the clip portion of the weight body isannular.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology theweight mount includes an outer portion that is tapered, wherein thefirst flange of the weight body is tapered, wherein the first flangeabuts the tapered outer portion of the weight mount.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technologywherein the weight mount includes an inner portion that is tapered,wherein an edge of the spring clip is tapered, wherein the taperedsurface of the spring clip abuts the tapered inner portion of the weightmount.

An additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology includesa golf club head including a weight member, including a club head bodyincluding a plurality of body members that combine to define a hollowbody, wherein the body members include a face defining a ball-strikingsurface, a sole, a crown, and a skirt, wherein the sole extends aftwardfrom a lower edge of the face, wherein the crown extends aftward from anupper edge of the face, and wherein the skirt extends between the soleand the crown around a perimeter of the body; a weight mount disposed onat least one of the body members, wherein the weight mount includes anaperture defined by an outer surface of the golf club head body; and aweight member including a weight body, a spring clip, and a lockingmechanism, wherein the weight body defines a bore; wherein the weightbody defines a plurality of apertures extending radially from the bore;wherein the spring clip is surrounds at least a portion of the weightbody; wherein the locking mechanism includes a locking member and aplurality of rollers, wherein each of the plurality of rollers isdisposed in one of the plurality of apertures and wherein each of therollers abuts a cam surface of the locking member and an inner surfaceof the spring clip; wherein the cam surface of the locking memberincludes a plurality ramps, wherein the cam surface of the lockingmember has an outer dimension that is different at different locationsaround the locking member, wherein the locking member is rotatablycoupled to the weight body, wherein the spring clip is biased toward thecenter of the weight member, wherein in a first configuration of theweight member the lock member is oriented so that the plurality ofrollers are aligned with a low point of the plurality of ramps, andwherein in a second configuration of the weight member the lock memberis oriented so that the rollers forcibly abut the spring clip to forcethe spring clip outward and away from the clip portion of the weightbody, preventing the weight member from dislodging from the weightmount.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology theweight mount includes an outer portion that is tapered, wherein aportion of the weight body is tapered, wherein the tapered portion ofthe weight body abuts the tapered outer portion of the weight mount whensaid weight member is in the second configuration.

An additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology includesa golf club head including a weight member comprising a club head body,a weight mount, and a weight member. The weight mount is disposed in aportion of the club head body, includes an aperture defined by an outersurface of the golf club head body and at least one spline tab, anddefines an undercut adjacent the aperture. The weight member comprises aweight body, a spring clip, and a locking mechanism. The weight bodyincludes a first flange that includes at least one spline tab, and thefirst flange is spaced from a second flange by a clip portion. Theweight body defines a bore that extends through the first flange and atleast a portion of the clip portion. The clip portion defines at leastone aperture extending radially through the clip portion. The springclip is disposed on the clip portion. The locking mechanism includes alocking member and at least one roller, and the at least one roller isdisposed in the at least one aperture in the clip portion. The at leastone roller abuts a cam surface of the locking member and an innersurface of the spring clip. The cam surface of the locking member has anouter dimension that is different at different locations around thelocking member. The locking member is rotatably coupled to the weightbody. In a first configuration of the weight member the locking memberis oriented so that the at least one roller is aligned with a firstportion of the cam surface and the spring clip forcibly abuts the atleast one roller. In a second configuration of the weight member thelocking member is oriented so that the at least one roller is alignedwith a second portion of the cam surface and forcibly abuts the springclip to force the spring clip outward and away from the clip portion ofthe weight body and into the undercut. The spline tab of the firstflange mechanically interlocks with the spline tab of the weight mountso that relative rotation between the weight body and the weight mountis prevented.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thegolf club head includes a plurality of weight mounts.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thespring clip comprises a clip alignment feature that is a tab, the weightbody comprises a body alignment feature that is a slot in the secondflange, and the tab extends into the slot.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thelocking member includes a circumferential groove in an outer surface,the weight body includes a circumferential groove in an inner surfaceformed by the bore, and a snap ring extends into the circumferentialgroove of the locking member and the circumferential groove of theweight body so that the locking member is rotatably coupled to theweight body in the bore.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology theat least one roller is a ball.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thespring clip is biased toward the center of the weight member.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thefirst flange of the weight body is annular, the second flange of theweight body is annular, and the clip portion of the weight body isannular.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology theweight mount includes a tapered flange, and the spring clip abuts thetapered flange when the weight member is in the second configuration.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology theweight member further comprises a gasket disposed on the first flange ofthe weight body, and the gasket is disposed between the first flange andthe weight mount when the weight member is located in the weight mount.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thecam surface of the locking member includes at least one detent and atleast one ramp, and the locking member has a minimum outer dimension onthe at least one detent and a maximum outer dimension on the at leastone ramp.

An additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology includesa weight member for a golf club head comprising a weight body, a springclip, and a locking mechanism. The weight body includes a first flangethat includes at least one spline tab, and that is spaced from a secondflange by a clip portion. The weight body defines a bore that extendsthrough the first flange and at least a portion of the clip portion. Theclip portion defines at least one aperture extending radially throughthe clip portion. The spring clip is disposed on the clip portion. Thelocking mechanism includes a locking member and at least one roller, andthe at least one roller is disposed in the at least one aperture in theclip portion. The at least one roller abuts a cam surface of the lockingmember and an inner surface of the spring clip. The locking member isrotatably coupled to the weight body, and the cam surface of the lockingmember has an outer dimension that is different at different locationsaround the locking member. In a first configuration of the weight memberthe locking member is oriented so that the at least one roller abuts afirst portion of the cam surface and the spring clip forcibly abuts theat least one roller. In a second configuration of the weight member thelocking member is oriented so that the at least one roller is alignedwith a second portion of the cam surface and forcibly abuts the springclip to force the spring clip outward and away from the clip portion ofthe weight body.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thespring clip comprises a clip alignment feature that is a tab, the weightbody comprises a body alignment feature that is a slot in the secondflange, and the tab extends into the slot.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thelocking member includes a circumferential groove in an outer surface,the weight body includes a circumferential groove in an inner surfaceformed by the bore, and a snap ring extends into the circumferentialgroove of the locking member and the circumferential groove of theweight body so that the locking member is rotatably coupled to theweight body in the bore.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology theat least one roller is a ball.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thespring clip is biased toward the center of the weight member.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thefirst flange of the weight body is annular, the second flange of theweight body is annular, and the clip portion of the weight body isannular.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology theweight member further comprises a compressible gasket disposed on thefirst flange.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology thecam surface of the locking member includes at least one detent and atleast one ramp, wherein the locking member has a minimum outer dimensionon the at least one detent and a maximum outer dimension on the at leastone ramp.

An additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology includesa weighted grip assembly comprising an elongate grip body and a weightmember. The elongate grip body defines a butt end and includes a weightmount disposed in the butt end. The weight mount includes an aperturedefined by an outer surface of the grip body and defines an undercutadjacent the aperture. The weight member comprises a weight body, aspring clip, and a locking mechanism. The weight body includes a firstflange that is spaced from a second flange by a clip portion and definesa bore that extends through the first flange and at least a portion ofthe clip portion. The clip portion defines at least one apertureextending radially through the clip portion. The spring clip is disposedon the clip portion. The locking mechanism includes a locking member andat least one roller. The at least one roller is disposed in the at leastone aperture in the clip portion and abuts a cam surface of the lockingmember and an inner surface of the spring clip. The cam surface of thelocking member has an outer dimension that is different at differentlocations around the locking member. The locking member is rotatablycoupled to the weight body. In a first configuration of the weightmember the locking member is oriented so that the at least one roller isaligned with a first portion of the cam surface and the spring clipforcibly abuts the at least one roller. In a second configuration of theweight member the locking member is oriented so that the at least oneroller is aligned with a second portion of the cam surface and forciblyabuts the spring clip to force the spring clip outward and away from theclip portion of the weight body and into the undercut.

In an additional non-limiting embodiment of the present technology theweight mount includes a tapered flange and the spring clip abuts thetapered flange when the weight member is in the second configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a bottom view of a golf club head including a weight member inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a golf club head of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the weight member included in the golfclub head of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the weight member that may be included in thegolf club head of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the weight member of FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a golf club including another weight memberin accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a portion of the golf club head of FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-section of the golf club head of FIG. 6 , asshown by line 8-8;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a partial cross-section of aportion of the golf club head of FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of the weight member includedin the golf club head of FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of the weight member includedin the golf club head of FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of a golf club including another weight inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of the golf club head of FIG.12 ;

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of a portion of the golf club head of FIG. 12 ,illustrating a weight member in an unlocked orientation;

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of a portion of the golf club head of FIG. 12 ,illustrating a weight member in a locked orientation;

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the weight member included in the golf clubhead of FIG. 12 ;

FIG. 17 is a side view of the weight member included in the golf clubhead of FIG. 12 ;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the weight track of FIG. 12 , takenalong line 18-18.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the weightof FIG. 17 ;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of theweight of FIG. 17 ;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of theweight of FIG. 17 ;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of theweight of FIG. 17 ;

FIG. 23 is a bottom view of a golf club head including another weightmember in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a partial cross-section view of the weight receptacle andweight member shown in FIG. 23 ;

FIG. 25 is a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of the weightreceptacle of FIG. 23 ;

FIG. 26 is a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of the weightreceptacle of FIG. 23 ;

FIG. 27 is a bottom view of another embodiment of a golf club headincluding a weight member in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the weight member included in the golfclub head of FIG. 27 ;

FIG. 29 is a side view of the weight member of FIG. 28 ;

FIG. 30 is a bottom view of the weight member of FIG. 28 ;

FIG. 31 is an exploded view of the weight member of FIG. 28 ;

FIG. 32 is a side view of a portion of the weight member of FIG. 28 ;

FIG. 33 is a top view of the portion shown in FIG. 32 ;

FIG. 34 is a side view of another portion of the weight member of FIG.28 ;

FIG. 35 is a top view of the portion shown in FIG. 34 ;

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the weight member of FIG. 28 in afirst configuration, taken along line 36-36 shown in FIG. 29 ;

FIG. 37 is another cross-sectional view of the weight member of FIG. 28in a second configuration, generally corresponding to line 36-36 of FIG.29 ;

FIG. 38 is a partial cross-sectional view of a golf club head includinganother embodiment of the weight member of the present invention in aportion of a golf club head;

FIG. 39 is a partial cross-sectional view of a golf club head includinganother embodiment of the weight member of the present invention in aportion of a golf club head;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of another weight member in accordancewith the present invention in a first configuration;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the weight member of FIG. 40 in asecond configuration;

FIG. 42 is a top view of a portion of the weight member of FIG. 40 inthe first configuration;

FIG. 43 is a top view of the portion of the weight member of FIG. 41 inthe second configuration;

FIG. 44 is a top view of a portion of an alternative construction of theweight member of FIG. 40 in the first configuration;

FIG. 45 is a top view of the portion of the weight member of FIG. 41 inthe second configuration;

FIG. 46 is a top view of a portion of another alternative constructionof the weight member of FIG. 40 in the first configuration;

FIG. 47 is a top view of the portion of the weight member of FIG. 41 inthe second configuration;

FIG. 48 is a bottom view of another embodiment of a golf club headincluding a weight member in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 49 is a cross-section of the golf club head of FIG. 48 , as shownby line 49-49;

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of the weight member included in the golfclub head of FIG. 48 ;

FIG. 51 is an exploded view of the weight member of FIG. 50 ;

FIG. 52 is a side view of the weight member of FIG. 50 ;

FIG. 53 is a bottom view of the weight member of FIG. 50 ;

FIG. 54 is a cross-sectional view of the weight member of FIG. 50 in afirst configuration, taken along line 54-54 shown in FIG. 52 ;

FIG. 55 is a cross-sectional view of the weight member of FIG. 50 in afirst configuration, taken along line 55-55 shown in FIG. 52 ;

FIG. 56 is a bottom view of a portion of another embodiment of a golfclub head including a weight mount;

FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the golf club headof FIG. 56 , taken along line 57-57 shown in FIG. 56 ;

FIG. 58 is a perspective view of a portion of a weight member configuredto engage the weight mount of the golf club head of FIG. 56 ;

FIG. 59 is a top view of a weighted grip assembly in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 60 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the weighted gripassembly of FIG. 59 generally corresponding to line 60-60 of FIG. 59 ;

FIG. 61 is a cross-sectional view of the weighted grip assembly,generally corresponding to line 60-60 of FIG. 59 , in a firstconfiguration; and

FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional view of the weighted grip assembly,generally corresponding to line 60-60 of FIG. 59 , in a secondconfiguration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Other than in the operating examples, or unless otherwise expresslyspecified, all of the numerical ranges, amounts, values and percentagessuch as those for amounts of materials, moments of inertias, center ofgravity locations, loft and draft angles, and others in the followingportion of the specification may be read as if prefaced by the word“about” even though the term “about” may not expressly appear with thevalue, amount, or range. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary,the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification andattached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon thedesired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. Atthe very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of thedoctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numericalparameter should at least be construed in light of the number ofreported significant digits and by applying ordinary roundingtechniques.

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forththe broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numericalvalues set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely aspossible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certainerrors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in theirrespective testing measurements. Furthermore, when numerical ranges ofvarying scope are set forth herein, it is contemplated that anycombination of these values inclusive of the recited values may be used.

Many weight structures utilize attachment mechanisms that primarilyutilize a force in the direction of an axis that is orthogonal to theouter contour of the golf club head for attaching weight member to thegolf club head. According to the present invention, weight members thatprimarily utilize forces that are generally directed parallel ortangential to the outer contour of the golf club head and lateral to theweight member are described. Utilizing attachment configurations thatprimarily interact with the surrounding structure of the golf club headin parallel or tangentially to the outer contour of the golf club headreduces the amount of structure that extends toward the interior of thegolf club head that would otherwise be required to retain the weightmember.

In an aspect of the present invention, an embodiment of a weight member10, having a low profile, includes a simple clip-in type attachment thatdoes not require the use of a threaded fastener to couple the weightmember 10 to the golf club head 1. Golf club head 1 has a hollow bodiedconstruction that includes a face, a sole 4, a crown, a skirt, and ahosel that combine to define the hollow interior. As is well known inthe art, the body may be formed by numerous methods and those methodsmay be used alone or in combination, and the club head body may includecast, stamped and/or forged components that are combined together. In anexample, the head body may include a cast component including the sole,crown, skirt and hosel and a stamped face component that is welded tothe cast component. In another example, the head body may include forgedsole, crown, hosel, and face components that are welded together.

The face defines a ball-striking surface. The sole 4 extends aftwardfrom a lower edge of the face. The crown extends from an upper edge ofthe face and the skirt extends between the sole 4 and crown and aroundthe perimeter of the body. Golf club head 1 also includes a plurality ofweight attachment structures, such as weight mounts 2. Weight member 10includes a body 12, and three spring features. The spring featuresinclude two side wall spring features that are flexible arms 14 and alocking spring feature formed by a flexible locking arm 16 on anothersurface. Each flexible arm 14 is defined by an elongate aperture 15 thatextends through the thickness of body 12 and that intersects the sidewall of body 12.

The side wall spring features and locking arm 16 combine to preventrelative movement between the weight cartridge and the golf club head inthree orthogonal axes, e.g., the X, Y and Z axes, so that the weightmember is fully constrained from translation when the weight member isinstalled in a weight receptacle. In particular, the dimensions of theweight mount 2 are selected so that the portions abutting the flexiblearms are narrower than the free width of the weight member at theflexible arms. As a result of those dimensions, the flexible arms 14 andlocking arm 16 are at least partially flexed laterally and act upon thesurrounding structure of the weight mount 2 and are compressed to exertlateral force on the surrounding structure to prevent translation of theweight member 10 in every direction, i.e., in three orthogonal axes.

The weight member 10 also includes a locking mechanism that selectivelylocks the weight member 10 into the golf club head 1 at one of theweight mount 2. The locking arm 16 may include a locking tooth 18 thatprevents the weight member 10 from becoming dislodged and disengagingfrom the golf club head 1 during impact. In the illustrated embodiment,the locking arm 16 interacts with a locking feature on the weight mount2, such as a bridge member 3 that forms an undercut portion in weightmount 2. Bridge member 3 extends across a portion of the weight member10 when the weight member 10 is inserted into a weight mount 2. Lockingtooth 18 includes a tapered surface 20 that abuts and slides past bridgemember 3 when the weight member 10 is inserted into a weight mount 2.That contact forces locking arm 16 to flex so that the locking tooth 18slips past bridge member 3, which allows the weight member 10 to befully inserted into the weight mount 2. Bridge member 3 may also includea tapered abutment surface that gradually increases contact forcebetween tooth 18 and bridge member 3. The weight member 10 and weightmount 2 are dimensioned so that when the weight member 10 is fullyinserted, the tapered surface 20 of locking tooth 18 passes thecontacting portion of bridge member 3 and a ledge 22 of locking tooth 18engages a portion of bridge member 3. The engagement of the ledge 22 andbridge member 3 prevents the weight member 10 from disengaging theweight mount 2, but the weight member 10 may be removed by displacinglocking tooth 18 relative to bridge member 3 so that the locking tooth18 is able to slip past bridge member 3 to allow weight member 10 to beretracted from weight mount 2. It should be appreciated that the heightof flexible arms 14 may differ from the overall thickness of the weightmember 10. For example, an extension portion, shown by dashed portion24, may be included to increase the volume of weight member 10.Additionally, ledge 22 may be replaced with a second tapered surfacethat allows the weight member 10 to be removed without separatelyflexing locking arm 16 to disengage the locking tooth 18 from bridgemember 3. The taper of the second tapered surface is preferably steeperthan tapered surface 20.

Weight member 10 may be constructed from a single material or it mayhave a multi-material construction. For example, as shown in FIG. 4 ,portions of the weight body 12, shown by dashed portions 26, may includerecesses or may be constructed of a material having a different specificgravity than the remainder of the weight body to create an insert thatis heavier or lighter relative to the weight body. In embodiments havinga heavy or light insert, the insert may be joined with the weight bodyby many different methods, including mechanically fixing the insert tothe weight body by threaded engagement, and/or fasteners. Alternatively,the materials may be coupled using metallurgical joining techniques,such as welding, swaging, forging the materials together, or co-casting.

Referring to FIGS. 6-11 , a golf club head 30 includes another weightsystem 32 that provides adjustability of the center of gravity of thegolf club head and that is disposed on a body member. The weight system32 includes weight member 34 and a weight mount in the form of slot 31extending through at least a portion of the thickness of the bodymember. Weight member 34 is assembled from a weight body 36, a springclip 38, a locking member 40, and an optional weight slug 42. Weightmember 34 is installed in slot 31, slides along edges of slot 31, and isconfigured to naturally seat in detent recesses 44 that are included inthe edges of slot 31. Preferably, weight member 34 provides an audibleand/or tactile “click” when it seats in each of the detent recesses 44included in slot 31.

Weight body 36 provides the primary source for mass in weight member 34,while providing a frame for supporting spring clip 38. In particular,the weight body 36 includes an outer portion 46 that resides outside ofslot 31 when weight member 34 is installed, a clip portion 48 thatreceives spring clip 38 and resides in slot 31 when weight member 34 isinstalled, and an inner portion 50 that is sized to extend through slot31. In the illustrated embodiment, outer portion 46 is a generallycylindrical portion of the weight body 36. Preferably, the outer portionhas an outer dimension that prevents it from being inserted into slot31, so that it limits the insertion of the weight body 36 into slot 31.It should be appreciated that the outer portion 46 need not becylindrical, and the shape and size of the outer portion 46 may bealtered to alter the overall mass of the weight body 36 and weightmember 34. Outer portion 46 also includes a locking member mount 52,such as a bore that receives locking member 40 and that extends intoclip portion 48. For example, locking member mount 52 may be a threadedbore that threads with a locking member 40 that includes a threadedportion. As a further alternative, outer portion 46 may have amulti-material construction so that the mass of weight body 36 may bealtered, such as by replacing a portion of the outer portion 46indicated by dashed area 57 with a component constructed of a materialhaving a different specific gravity than the material of weight body 36.

The clip portion 48 and inner portion 50 extend from outer portion 46.Clip portion 48 is interposed between outer portion 46 and inner portion50 of weight body 36 and provides a mounting structure for spring clip38 on weight body 36. In particular, clip portion 48 includes slots 54on opposite sides of the weight body 36. Spring clip 38 is disposed onweight body in clip portion 48 so that a portion spring clip 38 residesin slots 54. The configuration of slots 54 results in outer portion 46and inner portion 50 creating shoulders that straddle spring clip 38 andretain it in the direction of a longitudinal axis of weight body 36.Slots 54 extend through the side wall of the clip portion 48 so that aportion of the spring clip 38 intersects the bore that forms the lockingmember mount 52 when spring clip 38 is installed on weight body 36.

Inner portion 50 extends away from outer portion 46 and clip portion 48and is sized so that it may extend through slot 31. In the illustratedembodiment, inner portion 50 is generally an annular cylindrical bodythat has an outer diameter that is smaller than the width of the openingof slot 31. It should be appreciated that inner portion 50 may includeparts that have an outer dimension that is greater than the opening ofslot 31, as long as some part of inner portion 50 has an outer dimensionthat allows it to be inserted into a portion of slot 31. It should alsobe appreciated that inner portion 50 need not be cylindrical, but mayalternatively have a polygonal shape, such as a square or rectangle, oranother curved shape. Inner portion 50 may also include a mountingfeature for weight slug 42, which may be used to increase the mass ofweight member 34. For example, inner portion 50 may include a mount 56that allows a selected weight slug 42 to be coupled to weight body 36.Mount 56 may be a threaded bore and weight slug 42 may be a threadedweight member that is selected from a plurality of weight slugs 42having different masses and threaded into mount 56.

Spring clip 38 generally includes two arms 58 that are able to flextoward and away from each other. The arms 58 are coupled by a flexure 60and terminate at terminal ends 61 that are spaced from each other todefine a gap 62. Spring clip 38 also includes locking tabs 64 thatextend inward from arms 58. Locking tabs 64 extend through the side wallof clip portion 48 so that they intersect a portion of the bore thatforms locking member mount 52.

Each of arms 58 defines an outer channel 66, that is at least partiallydefined by an outer engagement surface 67, and that receives a portionof the side wall of slot 31. A detent projection 68 is disposed in eachouter channel 66 that is shaped and sized to complement the shape andsize of the detent recesses 44 included in slot 31. The detentprojection 68 is a portion of outer engagement surface 67 that locallyextends outward. Spring clip 38 and slot 31 are shaped so that springclip 38 is biased radially outward when it is installed in slot 31. As aresult, spring clip 38 remains in contact with the edges of slot 31 andcreates the force that causes the detent projections 68 to click intothe detent recesses 44.

The sizes of the channels 66 and detent projections 68 are selected sothat there is minimal clearance between those features and thecomplementary portions of the slot 31. That minimal clearance allows theweight member 34 to move along slot 31 while preventing additionalmovement relative to the walls of slot 31. As a further alternative, theedges of slot 31, including detent recesses 44 may be beveled, and thedetent projections 68 may be tapered so that when the projections engagethe recesses, the weight member 34 is drawn further into slot 31 andagainst the wall of golf club head 30. Spring clip 38 is constructed sothat arms 58 may be spread apart from one another so that clip portion48 of weight body 36 may be inserted through gap 62 and locking tabs 64located in slots 54.

Locking member 40 is included to selectively provide support to springclip 38 to limit inward motion of the locking tabs 64 when the weightmember 34 is positioned at a detent location. Locking member 40 is atapered screw that includes a threaded portion 70 and a tapered tipportion 72. Threaded portion 70 couples with the threaded bore includedin outer portion 46 of weight body 36 and allows a user to rotate thelocking member relative to the weight body to advance and retractlocking member 40 relative to weight body 36. The tapered tip portion 72extends into clip portion 48 of weight body 36 and is configured toselectively abut an inner surface of locking tabs 64, thereby preventingarms 58 of spring clip 38 from flexing inward toward each other when theweight member 34 is located at a detent. Locking member 40 may also beused to increase the force between the spring clip 38 and the walls ofslot 31 by advancing the locking member 40 further into weight body 36after contact is established between locking tabs 64 and the tapered tipportion 72. Preferably, the locking member 40 is dimensioned so that itrequires between ¼ and ½ of a turn of the locking member to disengagethe spring clip 38 enough to allow the weight member 34 to slide alongslot 31.

In general, the weight member 34 is slid in slot 31 by a user graspingouter portion 46 of weight body 36 and sliding the weight member 34.However, because spring clip 38 is configured to slide against the wallsof slot 31 the spring clip 38 may shift in clip portion 48 relative toweight body 36. That shift may cause the spring clip 38 to interact withthe side walls of clip portion 48 and locking member 40 which can causethe arms 58 of spring clip 38 to be pushed outward, or spring clip 38 totwist relative to slot 31, thereby increasing the friction between thespring clip 38 and the slot wall and further hindering the ability toslide the weight member in slot 31. Accordingly, features that preventthe relative motion between the spring clip 38 and the other components,and/or features that prevent the arms 58 of spring clip 38 fromspreading due to the relative motion are included in the construction ofweight member 34. For example, spring clip 38 may include a spacer 74that is incorporated into flexure 60 that limits both the space betweenspring clip 38 and clip portion 48 of weight body 36 and the relativemotion between the two components. Additionally, spring clip 38 may beshaped to limit a gap 76 between clip portion 48 and the terminal ends61 of arms 58, and the surface of clip portion 48 closest to terminalends 61 may include a concavity 78 so that contact between concavity 78and terminal ends 61 draws arms 58 together. Still further, the width oflocking tabs 64 may be selected to closely clear the width of theportions of slots 54 that receive tabs 64 so that the amount ofclearance between the locking tabs 64 and slots 54 dictates the range ofmotion of the spring clip 38 relative to the weight body 36.

In general, slot 31 is only required to be an elongate opening in a wallof the golf club head that includes detent features to interact withweight member 34. It is generally desirable to close the slot so thatthe interior of the golf club head is not exposed, so a slot cover maybe installed to close the interior volume of the golf club head. Thecover may be a thin-walled trough or tray that may be glued inside thegolf club head to cover the slot and to seal the inner cavity of thegolf club head from air, water or other debris.

In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 12-18 , a golf club head 90includes a weight member 92 that utilizes spring features and a camshape to lock the weight member 92 into a desired location in a weightmount that is formed by a shallow track 94. The weight member 92 may berotated in the track 94 between a first, unlocked orientation, shown inFIG. 14 , in which a side wall 93 of the weight member 92 is spaced fromthe side wall of the track 94, and a second, locked orientation, shownin FIG. 15 . When the weight member 92 is in the locked orientation, thecam shape results in the side wall 93 of the weight member 92 abuttingthe side wall 95 of the track 94 and creating an outward, lateral forcebetween track 94 and weight member 92.

Weight member 92 is generally a monolithic weight body that is shaped sothat it functions as a cam in track 94, and includes an outer surface102, an inner surface 104, and side wall 93 extends between outersurface 102 and inner surface 104. In particular, the side wall 93 ofweight member 92 is curved and non-circular so that the outer dimensionvaries with the angular orientation of the weight member 92. In anexample, weight member 92 has an oculiform shape, i.e., is shaped likean eye, so that the overall outer dimension taken through a centroid ofthe weight member varies between a minimum overall outer dimension D1 of28.5 mm and a maximum overall outer dimension D2 of 30.0 mm. The sidewall 93 of the weight member 92 is beveled at an angle in a range of 20°to 40°, and more preferably at an angle of about 30° and the weightmember 92 has a thickness of about 4.8 mm. Weight member 92 alsoincludes slots 96 that are generally semi-circular elongate aperturesspaced from the side wall 93 so that the side wall 93 forms a springfeature. Preferably, the slot has a width of between about 1.5 mm andabout 3.0 mm, and is spaced from the side wall 93 by a distance of about1.5 mm at outer surface 102 of weight member 92.

Track 94 is generally formed by angled, or beveled, side walls 95 thatform undercuts on the sides of the weight mount. The side walls 95 ofthe track 94, which are preferably parallel to the side wall 93 ofweight member 92, are beveled at an angle about equal to the angle ofthe side wall of the weight member, in particular at an angle of about30° relative to a bottom wall support surface 100 of track 94. Thecontact between the beveled side walls during rotation of the weightmember 92 relative to track 94 causes weight member 92 to be drawn intothe track 94 so that inner surface 104 is forced against support surface100 of track. The outermost edges of track 94 include ledges 98 thatform overhanging shoulders that are spaced from support surface 100 oftrack 94 by a distance that is greater than the thickness of weightmember 92 to provide a gap so that weight member 92 may slide in track94. Preferably, the distance is greater than the thickness of weightmember 92 by about 0.01 inch to about 0.05 inch. The width of the trackis selected to allow both locking and sliding of the weight member 92.In particular, the width of the track 94 at each elevation above thesupport surface 100 is selected to be between a minimum and a maximumouter dimension of the weight member at each corresponding elevationfrom support surface 100. Additionally, support surface 100 has a valueDLock that is between the minimum overall outer dimension D1 and themaximum overall outer dimension D2 of inner surface 104 of weight member92 so that the weight member may be locked in place by rotation and camaction.

A tool engagement feature 106 is included in the body of weight member92 for locking weight member 92 in track. In particular, tool engagementfeature 106 is a feature that receives a portion of a tool, such as ascrew driver or torque wrench, so that the tool may be used to rotateweight member 92 in track 94.

Alternative embodiments of a weight member utilizing a cam shape to lockthe weight member in place in a shallow track are illustrated in FIGS.19-22 , all of which may have a generally oculiform shape. Referring toFIG. 19 , a weight member 110 is similar to the weight member of FIGS.12-17 , but does not include the spring features formed by slots. Weightmember 110 generally includes an outer surface 112, an inner surface114, a side wall 116, and a tool engagement feature 118. Weight member110 is shaped to cam against walls of a weight track having beveled sidewalls, such as weight track 94. The side wall 116 of weight member 110is beveled to match the side walls of a complementary track and theweight member 110 locks in the track in the same manner as weight member92 described above.

Referring to FIG. 20 , a weight member 120 including a square side wall122 will be described. Weight member 120 includes side wall 122 thatextends between an outer surface 124 and an inner surface 126 and isgenerally square in relation to those surfaces, i.e., generally extendsfrom those surfaces at a 90° angle. The side wall of the weight membermay be square or beveled. Generally, a square side wall provides onlylateral locking force, while a beveled side wall provides both verticaland lateral forces to restrict motion of the weight member relative tothe track. As a result, the depth of the track may be selected toprevent relative motion of the weight member relative to the track in adirection orthogonal to the cam force especially for weights havingsquare side walls.

Weight member 120 also includes optional spring features to further lockthe weight member into place in the locked position of the cam motion.In particular, slots 128 extend through the body of weight member 120between outer surface 124 and inner surface 126 near side wall 122. Theproximity of slots 128 to side wall 122 results in a portion of the sidewall 122 functioning as a spring. Similar to previous embodiments,weight member 120 includes a tool engagement feature 130. As describedabove, the spring features may be used to increase the cam force betweenthe weight member and the track if needed. However, in some embodiments,that additional spring force is not required, and a weight member 132,shown in FIG. 21 , has a construction identical to weight member 120without the slots forming the spring features, and because of theotherwise identical construction it will not be described further indetail.

In another embodiment, a weight member 140 includes an alternativeconstruction for spring features and is illustrated in FIG. 22 . Weightmember 140 includes an outer surface 142, an inner surface 144, a sidewall 146 and a tool engagement feature 148. The construction of weightmember 140 is similar to the construction of weight member 120 with analternative spring feature. In particular, weight member 140 includesslots 150 that intersect side wall 146, so that side wall 146 isdiscontinuous and so that portions of the body of weight member 140 formcantilevered arms 152 that are configured to flex and to provide springfeatures. All other aspects of the construction of weight member 140 aresimilar to those described above and will not be further described.

In another embodiment, a golf club head 160 includes a weight member 162that is captured by a spring clamp 164 that forms a locking portion of aweight receptacle. Golf club head 160 generally is a hollow body definedby a face 166, a sole 168, a crown, and a skirt 170 that extends betweenthe crown and sole 168, and is preferably manufactured by standardmethods. The golf club head 160 includes at least one receptacle thataccepts and retains the weight member 162, and preferably includes aplurality of weight receptacles.

The spring clamp 164 is configured to be in a naturally clampedconfiguration, which may be described as an “always-on” configuration.By activating the spring clamp 164 with a tool, the clamp opens andreleases the captured weight member 162. A portion of the spring clamp164 is fixed to a portion of the golf club head 160 and another portionof the spring clamp 164 forms a free end. The spring clamp 164 ispreferably integrated into the construction of the golf club head 160,such as by casting the spring clamp 164 into the construction of thebody. Alternatively, the spring clamp 164 may be constructed as aseparate component and fixed on a portion of the golf club head body,such as by welding or mechanical fasteners.

The spring clamp 164 is affixed at the opening of a receptacle builtinto the golf club head 160 to form the locking portion of the weightreceptacle. Spring clamp 164 is generally formed by at least oneflexible arm 171 that includes a fixed end 172 and a free end 174. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the fixed end 172 is fixedly coupled to aportion of sole 168 and at least one free end 174 extends cantileveredfrom fixed end 172. Spring clamp 164 is configured as a C-clamp with aspring integrated into the construction of the flexible arm 171 to keepthe clamp “on,” or closed shut, but it should be appreciated that aseparate spring may be incorporated into the spring clamp, such as byincorporating a torsion spring.

A tool 176 is used to open the clamp to permit weight member 162 to beinstalled in, or removed from, the receptacle. In the illustratedembodiment, tool 176 is threaded into a threaded bore 178 included at aportion of spring clamp 164 near free end 174 of flexible arm 171. Anend of tool 176 extends out of threaded bore 178 and abuts free end 174so that threading tool 176 further into the threaded bore 178 forces theflexible arm to flex outward to open the spring clamp. Unthreading andremoving tool 176 from the threaded bore 178 allows the flexible arm 171to return to its natural position, thereby returning the spring clamp tothe natural clamped configuration. Although a threaded tool isillustrated, the tool may be used to open the clamp by differentmechanisms. For example, the tool may be configured to act as a lever,push-action, pinch, cam, etc. Additionally, it should be appreciatedthat more than one arm of the spring clamp may be constructed to beflexible during use. For example, both arms of the illustrated springclamp 164 may flex when tool 176 is threaded into the threaded bore 178.

Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26 , the spring clamp may have manyalternative shapes that provide different advantages. For example, aspring clamp may have a polygonal shape to complement a polygonal weightmember and that shape prevents rotation of the weight member in thespring clamp. Referring first to FIG. 25 , a spring clamp 180 includes afixed portion 182 and flexible arms 184 that terminate at free ends 186.Spring clamp 180 has a generally triangular shape that receives atriangular weight member. In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 26 , aspring clamp 190 includes a fixed portion 192, and flexible arms 194that terminate at free ends 196. Spring clamp 190 has a generallyrhomboid shape that receives a complementary weight member. It should beappreciated that the spring clamp may have many alternative shapes tocomplement the shape of an accompanying weight member.

Referring now to FIGS. 27-37 , a golf club head 200 includes anotherweight system that provides adjustability of the center of gravity ofthe golf club head. Adjustment of the location of the center of gravitymay be accomplished using a plurality of weight members 204 havingdifferent masses interchangeably disposed in a plurality of weightmounts. Weight member 204 is assembled from a weight body 206, a springclip 208, and a locking mechanism for radially extending at leastportions of the spring clip 208. Similar to previous embodiments, therotation of a locking member forces a spring clip outward to lock theweight member in a location. The locking mechanism includes a lockingmember 210 and a plurality of rollers 228. Weight member 204 isinstalled in mount 201 by placing the weight member in an undercutrecess that forms the mount 201 and using the locking mechanism toextend the spring clip 208 radially outward so that it is inserted intothe undercut 214.

Weight body 206 provides the primary source for mass in weight member204, while providing a frame for supporting spring clip 208 and themechanism configured to radially extend at least portions of the springclip 208. In particular, the weight body 206 is a generally tubular bodythat defines a central bore that forms a locking member mount 215 andthat includes an annular first flange 216 that is spaced from an annularsecond flange 220 by a clip portion 218. The clip portion 218 is annularand has a radially outward surface 221 that is recessed relative to theradially outward edges of the first flange 216 and the second flange 220to form an annular clip recess 219, as shown in FIGS. 31 and 32 .Additionally, a clip alignment feature 222 is disposed in the cliprecess 219, and in the present embodiment the clip alignment feature 222is a rib that interacts with the spring clip 208 to prevent rotation ofthe spring clip 208 relative to and around the weight body 206. Thefirst flange 216 includes an outer surface 223 that is exposed when theweight member 204 is mounted in a golf club head 200, and the outersurface 223 may include indicia 224 that are used in combination with atleast one indicium 225, or index mark, disposed on an outer surface ofthe locking member 210 to indicate whether the weight member 204 is in alocked or unlocked configuration. A plurality of apertures 227 extendradially through the clip portion 218 of weight body 206 and areconfigured to retain rollers 228, which may be ball bearings and/orroller pins included in the locking mechanism. The second flange 220includes travel limit features 229 that extend into the central bore andare positioned around the perimeter of the bore. Travel limit features229 interact with travel limit features 230 on the locking member 210 tolimit the range of rotation of the locking member 210 relative to theweight body 206 in the assembled weight member.

The locking member 210 is disposed in the locking member mount 215 andis rotatably coupled to the weight body 206. The locking member 210generally includes an outer flange 232 that includes outer surface 226,the at least one indicium 225, the travel limit features 230, a toolengagement feature 233, and a cam surface 234 disposed between the outerflange 232 and the travel limit features 230. The outer flange is spacedfrom the cam surface by a circumferential groove 235 that receives asnap ring 211. In the assembled weight member 204, the snap ring 211extends between the circumferential groove 235 in the locking member 210and a circumferential groove 217 of the weight body 206. When the snapring 211 is installed between the weight body 206 and the locking member210, it extends across the interface between the two members androtatably couples the locking member 210 in the locking member mount 215so that the locking member 210 can rotate relative to the weight body206 but is prevented from translating out of the locking member mount215.

The cam surface 234 generally forms a sidewall of the locking member 210and includes an unlocked detent feature 236, a locked detent feature238, and ramp portions 240 that extend between the unlocked and lockeddetent features 236, 238. The cam surface 234 generally provides abearing surface that the rollers 228 abut during operation, and isshaped to alter the radial position of the rollers 228 within the weightbody 206 by forcing the rollers 228 outward toward the spring clip 208.During operation as the locking member 210 is rotated relative to theweight body 206, the rollers 228 roll along the cam surface 234. Becausethe radial outer dimension of the cam surface 234 varies between thedetents 236, 238 and across the ramp portion 240, the rollers 228 areforced to move radially within the apertures 227. In particular, theradial outer dimension of the cam surface 234 is minimum at the unlockeddetents 236, and increases through the adjacent ramp portion 240 untilit reaches a maximum radial outer dimension at an end of the rampportion adjacent a locked detent 238. The outer radial dimension at thelocked detents 238 is less than the maximum radial outer dimension butgreater than the outer radial dimension at the unlocked detents 236.

The spring clip 208 is a flexible semi-annular member that is disposedin the clip recess 219 of the weight body 206. The spring clip 208 isdiscontinuous and defines two free ends 242, spaced by a gap 244, thatflex away from each other as the spring clip is pushed outward by therollers 228. The spring clip may also include an alignment feature, suchas a slot 243, that engages the clip alignment feature 222 of the weightbody 206. The engagement of the slot 243 with the clip alignment feature222 prevents the spring clip from rotating around the weight body 206within the clip recess 219, which prevents a roller 228 from becomingaligned with the gap 244 during operation. Such an alignment between theroller 228 and the gap 244 could allow the roller 228 to detach from theweight assembly, reducing the number of rollers 228 influencing theradial movement of the spring clip 208. As an alternative, an end of thespring clip may extended radially inward and into a clip alignmentfeature that is formed as a slot in the weight body. In anotherembodiment, not illustrated, the clip alignment feature could be a slotformed in the weight body and the spring clip's alignment feature couldinclude a rib extending into the slot of the weight body.

Referring to FIGS. 36 and 37 , operation of the weight member 204 willbe described. FIG. 36 illustrates a cross-section of the weight member204 in an unlocked configuration. In that configuration, the lockingmember 210 is rotated using a tool inserted into the tool engagementfeature 233 so that the unlocked detents 236 are aligned with the radialapertures 227 of the clip portion 218 of the weight body 206. In thatorientation, the rollers 228 are forced radially inward by theelasticity of the spring clip 208 and are received in the unlockeddetents 236 of the locking member 210. The unlocked detents 236 aresized so that the rollers 228 are positioned so that an outermost partof the roller 228 is generally flush with the outer surface 221 of theclip portion 218, which allows the spring clip 208 to be in intimatecontact with the outer surface 221 of the clip portion 218. Eachunlocked detent 236 defines a curved outer surface of the cam surface234 having a minimum outer radial dimension RU, and the curved outersurface is generally curved with a diameter that is at least equal tothe diameter of the rollers 228. The spring clip 208 is configured sothat it is compressed on the outer surface 221 of the clip portion 218,but the elasticity of the spring clip 208 allows it to be flexed to alarger diameter during operation.

The locking member 210 is rotated within the locking member mount 215relative to the weight body 206 to transition the weight member 204between the unlocked configuration, shown in FIG. 36 , and the lockedconfiguration, shown in FIG. 37 . For example, with the weight member204 in the unlocked configuration, the weight member 204 is insertedinto a weight mount 201 and the locking member 210 is rotated relativeto the weight body 206. In the present embodiment, interaction betweenthe travel limit features 230 of the locking member 210 and the travellimit features 229 of the weight body 206 restrict the direction oftravel of the locking member 210 relative to the weight body 206 in thedirection shown by arrows T. The travel limit features 229 areconfigured to limit the travel required by the cam portion and thespring clip to fully actuate the weight member. In particular, theweight member is configured to require a predetermined amount ofrelative rotation between the locking member and the weight body totranspose the weight member between the unlocked and the lockedconfigurations. The weight member may be configured to require less thana full rotation of the lock member relative to the weight body and incertain embodiments, to require between ⅙ (60°) and ⅓ (120°) of a fullrotation. In another embodiment, between 30 and 100 degrees of rotationbetween the lock member relative to the weight body is required. Inanother embodiment, between 30 and 80 degrees of rotation between thelock member relative to the weight body is required. In anotherembodiment, between 50 and 100 degrees of rotation between the lockmember relative to the weight body is required.

As the locking member 210 is rotated, the rollers 228 roll along the camsurface 234 and along the ramp portions 240. The ramp portions 240 aredimensioned so that the radial outer dimension increases to a maximumouter radial dimension RMAX toward the locked detent and it is thatchange in the outer dimension causes the rollers 228 to move radiallyoutward within the apertures 227. As the rollers 228 move outward theyabut the inner surface of the spring clip and force the spring clip 208radially away from the outer surface 221 of the clip portion 218,thereby increasing the overall outer dimension of the weight member 204from DU to DL.

The locking member 210 is rotated relative to weight body 206 until theweight member 204 is transformed into the locked configuration. In thelocked configuration, the rollers 228 are disposed in the locked detents238. The locked detents 238 are adjacent the location of the rampportions 240 having RMAX, and the outer radial dimension of the camsurface 234 at the locked detents is RL which is less than RMAX butgreater than RU. Preferably, each locked detent 238 defines a curvedouter surface of the cam surface 234 having a minimum radial dimensionRL, and the curved outer surface is generally curved with a diameterthat is at least equal to the diameter of the rollers 228. As describedabove, the spring clip 208 is configured to elastically squeeze inwardwhen the rollers 228 are extended outward, and because of the differencein the outer radial dimensions at the maximum radial portion of the rampportions 240 and the locked detents 238, the rollers 228 are forced intothe locked detents 238 by the spring action of the spring clip 208abutting the rollers 228.

In additional embodiments, the weight mount of the golf club head bodymay be formed simply by including an aperture in a wall of the golf clubhead, as shown in FIGS. 38 and 39 . In a first example, shown in FIG. 38, a weight mount is formed by an aperture in a wall of a golf club headbody and a weight member 310 is provided that includes an outer flange312 that abuts an outer surface of the golf club head. The interactionbetween the outer flange 312 of the weight member and the outer surfacelimits the insertion of the weight member 310 into the golf club headand provides friction so that the weight member can be converted betweenthe locked and unlocked configurations. When the weight member 310 isplaced in the locked configuration, the edge of the aperture isinterposed between the outer flange 312 and a spring clip 314 includedin the weight member 310. Weight member 310 also preferably includes aflange gasket 316 that is disposed between the outer flange 312 and theouter surface of the golf club head body. The flange gasket 316 may beused to increase friction between the outer flange 312 and the outersurface of the head, so that it is easier for a user to turn a lockingmember of the weight member 310 relative to a weight body of the weightmember 310 allowing for the weight to be selectively placed in thelocked or unlocked configurations. The flange gasket 316 may also, oralternatively, be configured to prevent ingress of water or debris intothe golf club head when the weight member 310 is installed. The flangegasket 316 may be an O-ring or other gasket, or it may be a plurality ofdiscrete pads. The flange gasket 316 may be constructed of compressibleor non-compressible material and it may include a roughened or texturedsurface.

In another example, shown in FIG. 39 , a weight member 320 is configuredto be installed in a weight mount formed by an aperture in the golf clubhead. The aperture includes tapered portions of the sidewall of themount. In particular, a portion of the aperture that forms the weightmount includes an outer portion 322 that includes sidewalls that aretapered so that the weight mount narrows further into the golf clubhead, and an inner portion 324. The inner portion 324 also includestapered sidewalls, but the taper is oriented so that the weight mountwidens further into the golf club head. The weight member includes anouter flange 326 that abuts the tapered surface of the outer portion 322of the weight mount. The weight member 320 is generally constructed asprevious examples and includes a weight body 328 that includes the outerflange 326, a spring clip 330, and a locking mechanism for radiallyextending at least portions of the spring clip 330. In the presentembodiment, the spring clip 330 includes a tapered edge 332 that abutsthe inner portion 324 of the weight mount when the spring clip 330 isextended. The interaction between the two tapered surfaces tends to drawthe weight member 320 further into the weight mount which compresses agasket 334, such as an O-ring, disposed between the tapered outer flange326 and the outer portion 322 of the weight mount.

Referring now to FIGS. 48-55 , a golf club head 400 includes anotherweight system that provides adjustability of the center of gravity ofthe golf club head. Similar to other embodiments described herein,adjustment of the location of the center of gravity may be accomplishedby incorporating a plurality of weight mounts 402 in the golf club head400 and using a plurality of weight members 404 having different massesinterchangeably disposed in the plurality of weight mounts 402.

Weight member 404 is assembled from a weight body 406, a spring clip408, and a locking mechanism for radially extending at least portions ofthe spring clip 408. Similar to previous embodiments, the rotation of alocking member 410 forces spring clip 408 outward to lock the weightmember 404 in weight mount 402. The weight body 406 of weight member 404is configured to provide a mechanical interaction with the weight mount402 to prevent relative rotation between the weight body 406 and theweight mount 402 to simplify the operation of the weight system. Thelocking mechanism includes a locking member 410 and a plurality ofrollers 428. Weight member 404 is installed in weight mount 402 byplacing the weight member 404 in an aperture, or a recess, that providesan undercut and that forms the mount 402 and using the locking mechanismto extend the spring clip 408 radially outward so that at least aportion of the spring clip 408 is inserted into the undercut 414.

Weight body 406 provides the primary source for mass in weight member404, while providing a frame for supporting spring clip 408 and thelocking mechanism. In particular, the weight body 406 is a generallytubular body that defines a central bore that forms a locking membermount 415 and that includes an annular first flange 416 that is spacedfrom an annular second flange 420 by a clip portion 418. A plurality ofspline tabs 412 are included on first flange 416 that are configured tointeract with spline tabs 413 of a side wall of weight mount 402 toprevent relative rotation between the weight body 406 and the weightmount 402 during locking and unlocking of the weight member 404. Theconfiguration of the spline tabs allows for a simplified construction ofthe weight mount 402 because a base of the weight mount 402 is notrequired and the weight mount can be constructed as an aperture in awall of the golf club head 400. The clip portion 418 is annular and hasa radially outward surface 421 that is recessed relative to the radiallyoutward edges of the first flange 416 and the second flange 420 to forman annular clip recess 419, as shown in FIG. 51 . Additionally, analignment feature 422 is disposed in the second flange 420, and in thepresent embodiment the alignment feature 422 is a slot that interactswith a tab 443 on the spring clip 408 to prevent rotation of the springclip 408 relative to and around the weight body 406. The first flange416 includes an outer surface 423 that is exposed when the weight member404 is mounted in a golf club head 400, and the outer surface 423 mayinclude indicia 424 that can be used in combination with at least oneindicium, or index mark, disposed on an outer surface of the lockingmember 410 to indicate whether the weight member 404 is in a locked orunlocked configuration. Alternatively, or in addition, the indicia 424can be used to indicate the overall mass of the weight member 404 and/orthe manufacturer, or to provide desired aesthetics. A plurality ofapertures 427 extend radially through the clip portion 418 of weightbody 406 and are configured to retain rollers 428, which may be ballbearings and/or roller pins included in the locking mechanism. Thesecond flange 420 includes travel limit features 429 that extend intothe locking member mount 415. Travel limit features 429 interact withtravel limit features 430 on the locking member 410 to limit the rangeof rotation of the locking member 410 relative to the weight body 406 inthe assembled weight member 404.

The locking member 410 is disposed in the locking member mount 415 andis rotatably coupled to the weight body 406. The locking member 410generally includes an outer flange 432 that includes outer surface 426,the travel limit features 430, a tool engagement feature 433, and a camsurface 434 disposed between the outer flange 432 and the travel limitfeatures 430. The outer flange 432 is spaced from the cam surface 434 bya circumferential groove 435 that receives a snap ring 411. In theassembled weight member 404, the snap ring 411 extends between thecircumferential groove 435 in the locking member 410 and acircumferential groove 417 of the weight body 406. When the snap ring411 is installed between the weight body 406 and the locking member 410,it extends across the interface between the two members and rotatablycouples the locking member 410 in the locking member mount 415 so thatthe locking member 410 can rotate relative to the weight body 406 but isprevented from translating out of the locking member mount 415.

The cam surface 434 generally forms a sidewall of the locking member 410and includes an unlocked detent feature 436, a locked detent feature438, and ramp portions 440 that extend between the unlocked and lockeddetent features 436, 438. The cam surface 434 generally provides abearing surface that the rollers 428 abut during operation and is shapedto alter the radial position of the rollers 428 within the weight body406 by forcing the rollers 428 outward toward the spring clip 408.During operation, as the locking member 410 is rotated relative to theweight body 406, the rollers 428 roll along the cam surface 434. Becausethe radial outer dimension of the cam surface 434 varies between thedetents 436, 438 and across the ramp portion 440, the rollers 428 areforced to move radially within the apertures 427. In particular, theradial outer dimension of the cam surface 434 is minimum at the unlockeddetents 436 and increases through the adjacent ramp portion 440 until itreaches a maximum radial outer dimension at an end of the ramp portion440 adjacent a locked detent 438. The outer radial dimension at thelocked detents 438 is less than the maximum radial outer dimension butgreater than the outer radial dimension at the unlocked detents 436.

The spring clip 408 is a flexible semi-annular member that is disposedin the clip recess 419 of the weight body 406. The spring clip 408 isdiscontinuous and defines two free ends 442, spaced by a gap 444, thatflex away from each other as the spring clip 408 is pushed outward bythe rollers 428. The spring clip 408 can also include an alignmentfeature, such as tab 443, that engages the alignment feature 422 of theweight body 406. The engagement of the tab 443 with the alignmentfeature 422 prevents the spring clip 408 from rotating around the weightbody 406 within the clip recess 419, which prevents a roller 428 frombecoming aligned with the gap 444 during operation. Such an alignmentbetween the roller 428 and the gap 444 could allow the roller 428 todetach from the weight assembly, thereby reducing the number of rollers428 influencing the radial movement of the spring clip 408.

The spring clip 408 can also include a tapered edge 446 that that isconfigured to abut the inner portion of the weight mount 402 when thespring clip 408 is extended. For example, the inner portion of theweight mount 402 can a tapered wall so that the undercut 414 is tapered.For example, an innermost wall of one or more of the spline tabs 413 ofthe weight mount 402 can be tapered to form a tapered flange. Extensionof the spring clip 408 when the weight member is in the lockedconfiguration can force the tapered edge 446 to abut the tapered wall.The interaction between the two tapered surfaces tends to draw theweight member 404 further into the weight mount 402.

A gasket 448 can be included to extend across a gap between the firstflange 416 of the weight body 406 and the weight mount 402. For example,the gasket 448 can be a compressible O-ring. In an example embodiment,as the weight member 404 is drawn further into the weight mount 402 bythe interaction between the two tapered surfaces, the gasket 448compresses and provides a seal of the gap between the weight body 406and the weight mount 402.

FIG. 55 illustrates a cross-section of the weight member 404 in anunlocked configuration. In that configuration, the locking member 410 isrotated using a tool inserted into the tool engagement feature 433 sothat the unlocked detents 436 are aligned with the radial apertures 427of the clip portion 418 of the weight body 406. In that orientation, therollers 428 are forced radially inward by the elasticity of the springclip 408 and are received in the unlocked detents 436 of the lockingmember 410. The unlocked detents 436 are sized so that the rollers 428are positioned so that an outermost part of the roller 428 is generallyflush with the outer surface 421 of the clip portion 418, which allowsthe spring clip 408 to be in intimate contact with the outer surface 421of the clip portion 418. Each unlocked detent 436 defines a curved outersurface of the cam surface 434, and the curved outer surface isgenerally curved with a diameter that is at least equal to the diameterof the rollers 428. The spring clip 408 is configured so that it iscompressed on the outer surface 421 of the clip portion 418, but theelasticity of the spring clip 408 allows it to be flexed to a largerdiameter during operation.

Similar to previously described embodiments, the locking member 410 canbe rotated within the locking member mount 415 relative to the weightbody 406 to transition the weight member 404 between the unlockedconfiguration, shown in FIG. 55 , and the locked configuration. Forexample, with the weight member 404 in the unlocked configuration, theweight member 404 is inserted into a weight mount 402 so that the splinetabs 412 of the weight body 406 interlock with the spline tabs 413 ofthe weight mount 402 and the locking member 410 is rotated relative tothe weight body 406. Interaction between the travel limit features 430of the locking member 410 and the travel limit features 429 of theweight body 406 restrict the range, and direction, of travel of thelocking member 410 relative to the weight body 406.

The travel limit features 429 and the cam surface 434 are configured toprovide a desired range of travel required by the locking member 410 tofully actuate the weight member 404. In particular, the weight member isconfigured to require a predetermined amount of relative rotationbetween the locking member 410 and the weight body 406 to transpose theweight member 404 between the unlocked and the locked configurations.The weight member may be configured to require less than a full rotationof the lock member relative to the weight body and in certainembodiments, to require between ⅙ (60°) and ⅓ (120°) of a full rotation.In another embodiment, between 30 degrees and 100 degrees of rotation ofthe lock member relative to the weight body is required. In anotherembodiment, between 30 degrees and 80 degrees of rotation of the lockmember relative to the weight body is required. In another embodiment,between 50 degrees and 100 degrees of rotation of the lock memberrelative to the weight body is required.

As the locking member 410 is rotated relative to the weight body 406,the rollers 428 roll along the cam surface 434 and along the rampportions 440. The ramp portions 440 are dimensioned so that the radialouter dimension increases to a maximum outer radial dimension toward thelocked detent and it is that change in the outer dimension causes therollers 428 to move radially outward within the apertures 427. As therollers 428 move outward, they abut the inner surface of the spring clipand force the spring clip 408 radially away from the outer surface 421of the clip portion 418, thereby increasing the overall outer dimensionof the weight member 404.

The locking member 410 is rotated relative to weight body 406 until theweight member 404 is transformed into the locked configuration. In thelocked configuration, the rollers 428 are disposed in the locked detents438. The spring clip 408 is configured to elastically squeeze inwardwhen the rollers 428 are extended outward, and because of the differencein the outer radial dimensions at the maximum radial portion of the rampportions 440 and the locked detents 438, the rollers 428 are forced intothe locked detents 438 by the spring action of the spring clip 408abutting the rollers 428.

Referring to FIGS. 56-58 , alternative constructions of a weight mount462 and a weight body 466 will be described that are configured toprevent relative rotation between the weight mount 462 and the weightbody 466. For example, weight mount 462 is constructed from a side wall468 and a base 470. The side wall 468 extends inward from an outersurface of the golf club head 460 to the base 470. The side wall 468includes a circumferential flange 472 that forms an undercut recess 474of the weight mount 462. The undercut recess 474 is configured tointeract with a spring clip of a weight member, such as spring clip 408of weight member 404 described above. The base 470 includes a pluralityof projections 476 that are configured to engage a plurality of slots478 included in a flange of weight body 466 when the weight body 466 isincorporated into a weight member construction that is installed in theweight mount 462. It should be appreciated that the weight body 466 isconstructed to be incorporated into a weight member having a lockingmechanism that functions similar to those described above. Stillfurther, it should be appreciated that the configuration of projections476 and slots 478 can be incorporated into the weight mount and weightbody described above in relation to FIGS. 27-37 , to provide ananti-rotation feature between the weight mount and the weight body.

Referring to FIGS. 59-62 , a weighted grip assembly 500 will bedescribed. For example, weighted grip assembly 500 includes an elongategrip body 502 and a weight member 504. The elongate grip body 502defines a butt end 508 and includes a weight mount 506 integrated intobutt end 508 of the grip body 502, and a shaft bore 510 that isconfigured to receive a butt end of a golf club shaft. The weight mount506 is shaped to allow the weight member 504 to be inserted andselectively locked therein. For example, the weight mount includes anaperture defined by an outer surface of the grip body 502, and theweight mount 506 defines an undercut 512 adjacent the aperture that isconfigured to interact with a portion of the weight member 504 to lockthe weight member 504 into the weight mount 506. The grip body 502 canbe constructed from any resilient material, such as polyurethanepolymer, and the material can have any selected durometer. In an exampleembodiment, a portion of the grip body including the weighting mount 506has a durometer of about Shore A 77. Additionally, the grip body 502 canhave a co-molded construction and the weight mount 506 can be formed ina co-molded member that is constructed from a material that is differentthan the remainder of the grip body 502.

The weight member 504 is assembled from a weight body 514, a spring clip516, and a locking mechanism for radially extending at least portions ofthe spring clip 516. For example, the locking mechanism includes alocking member 518 and a plurality of rollers 520 and rotation of thelocking member 518 relative to the weight body 514 forces spring clip516 outward to lock the weight member 504 in weight mount 506. Any ofthe weight member and corresponding weight mount constructions describedherein can be incorporated into weight member 504 and the weight mount506.

During use, the weight member 504, in an unlocked configuration, can beinserted into the weight mount 506, as shown in FIG. 61 . In particular,the overall outer dimension of the weight member 504 when it is in theunlocked configuration provides clearance for a portion of the weightmember including the spring clip 516 to be inserted past a flange 522and to a depth where the spring clip 516 is located adjacent theundercut 512. In the illustrated embodiment, the weight body 514includes a first flange 524 that is configured to abut flange 522 tocontrol the depth of the weight member 504 in the weight mount.Additionally, the weight member 504 can include a gasket 526 that can becompressed between the first flange 524 and the flange 522 to provide aseal between the weight member 504 and the grip body 502.

After the weight member 504 is inserted into the weight mount 506 to thepredefined depth defined by the interaction between the weight member504 and the weight mount 506, the weight member 504 can be convertedinto the locked configuration, shown in FIG. 62 . For example, theweight member 504 can be converted into the locked configuration byrotating locking member 518 relative to the weight body 514. Therelative rotation causes the spring clip 516 to be extended outward andinto the undercut 512. In example embodiments, the spring clip 516 abutsthe flange 522 in the undercut 512 and that interaction draws the weightmember 504 further into the weight mount 506 to retain the weightmember. The weight member 504 can be converted back to the unlockedconfiguration and removed from the weight mount 506, if desired, byreversing the rotation of the locking member 518 relative to the weightbody 514.

Another embodiment of a weight member according to the present inventionis illustrated in FIGS. 40-43 . A weight member 250 generally includes aweight body 252, a plurality of lock tabs 254, a locking member 256, anda lock tab retractor such as one or more magnetic inserts. The weightbody 252 provides the primary source for mass in the weight member 250,while providing a frame for supporting lock tabs 254 and a mechanismconfigured to radially extend and retract the lock tabs 254. Inparticular, the weight body 252 is a generally hollow body formed by aninner wall 258, an outer wall 260 and a side wall 262 extending betweenthe inner wall 258 and the outer wall 260 to define a cavity 263. Theside wall 262 defines a plurality of apertures 264 that receive theplurality of lock tabs 254. The cavity 263 is generally cylindrical andreceives a cam portion of the locking member 256 and a portion of eachof the plurality of lock tabs 254. The weight body 252 is generallyformed from multiple components that are coupled using adhesives,welding, brazing, etc. The components generally include a parting lineon the side wall 262 of the weight body 252 and may include a pluralityof alignment features 265, such as projections or pins, on one componentthat engage complementary alignment features, such as bores or recesses,on the other component to align the two components relative to eachother.

The locking member 256 includes a cam portion 266 that is generally aflange having an elliptical perimeter shape, support projections 268,magnetic inserts 270. The cam portion 266 abuts the lock tabs 254 andforces them radially outward into the locked position, shown in FIG. 43. The magnetic inserts 270 are disposed in the perimeter of the camportion 266. The magnetic inserts 270 are chosen so that they providepolarity that works in conjunction with magnetic inserts 271 on the locktabs 254 to assist in pushing the lock tabs 254 toward the lockingposition and retracting the lock tabs into the unlocked position as thelocking member is rotated. In the illustrated example, each of the locktabs includes a magnetic insert 271 having a positive pole adjacent thelocking member, and the locking member includes magnetic inserts 270oriented with positive poles oriented radially outward along the majoraxis of the cam portion and magnetic inserts 270 with negative polesoriented radially outward along the minor axis of the cam portion. As analternative, a magnetic insert may be included on only one of the camportion and the lock tab, and the other of the cam portion and the locktab at least partially constructed of a ferrous material so thatmagnetic attraction retracts the lock tab. Additionally, the cam portionmay only include magnetic inserts designed to attract the lock tabs,relying on the cam itself to push the lock tabs outward. In analternative embodiment, the cam portion may also be made of a ferrousmaterial and the lock tabs could include magnetic inserts configured topull the lock tabs towards the cam portion.

The support projections 268 of locking member 256 are cylindricalprojections extending away from the center of the elliptical cam portion266 and into apertures 272 defined by weight body 252. The apertures 272and cavity 263 are sized to receive the support projections 268 and camportion, respectively, while allowing them to rotate relative to theweight body 252.

The lock tabs 254 extend through the apertures 264 in the side wall ofthe weight body 252 and are tapered so that their travel radiallyoutward is limited by the size of the apertures 264. As illustrated, theapertures 264 are tapered to match the side wall taper of the lock tabs254, and the taper is oriented so that the apertures 264 are thesmallest at their radially outward extent. Additionally, the smallestportion of each aperture 264 is narrower than the widest portion of thelock tab 254. As a result, the lock tabs 254 are installed from thecavity side of the side wall 262 of the weight body 252. After the locktabs 254 are inserted, the locking member 256 is installed in the cavity263 and the body assembled, thereby retaining the lock tabs 254 in thecavity 263. The outer surface of cam portion 266 of locking member 256includes flats 274 that act as detents for the lock tabs 254 when theweight member 250 is in the locked configuration.

A user may selectively convert the weight member 250 between theunlocked configuration, shown in FIG. 42 , and the locked configuration,shown in FIG. 43 . In particular, the user inserts a tool into a toolengagement feature 269 and the locking member 256 is rotated relative toweight body 252 between the unlocked configuration and the lockedconfiguration. In general, in the unlocked configuration, the minor axisof the elliptical cam portion 266 is aligned with the lock tabs 254,which places magnetic inserts 270 of the locking member 256 adjacentmagnetic inserts 271 of the lock tabs 254 having opposite polarities sothat the lock tabs 254 are pulled radially inward. As the locking member256 is rotated from the unlocked configuration, the outer perimeter ofthe cam portion 266 abuts the lock tabs 254 and forces the lock tabsfurther into apertures 264. When the locking member 256 is fully rotatedinto the locked configuration, the major axis of the elliptical camportion 266 is aligned with the lock tabs 254, which places the magneticinserts 270 of the locking member 256 adjacent magnetic inserts 271 ofthe lock tabs 254 having the same polarities so that the lock tabs 254are urged away from the cam portion 266. In the locked configuration,the lock tabs 254 are urged into abutment with the sidewall 262 of theweight body 252 in the apertures 264, and flats 274 on the cam portion274 are adjacent the innermost surfaces of the lock tabs 254. The flatsshown form detents that provide resistance from turning the lockingmember from the locked orientation.

Additional embodiments having an outer appearance identical to that ofweight member 250 shown in FIGS. 40 and 41 may utilize spring clipsinstead of magnets as a retractor to retract the lock tabs and will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 44-47 . Referring first to FIGS. 44and 45 , a weight member 280 includes a weight body 252 that is the sameas that of weight member 250, an elliptical spring clip 282, lock tabs284, and a locking member 286. The elliptical spring clip 282circumscribes a cam portion 288 of the locking member 286. The camportion 288 is configured to slide within the elliptical spring clip282. The lock tabs 284 are fixed to the elliptical spring clip 282 andprevent the elliptical spring from rotating when the cam portion 288 ofthe locking member 286 rotates relative to the weight body 252. Inparticular, the lock tabs 284 are disposed in the apertures 264 of theside wall 262 of weight body 252 and are restricted from movement otherthan radial movement relative to the weight body 252 so the couplingbetween the elliptical spring clip 282 and the lock tabs 284 alsoprevents the elliptical spring from rotating with the locking member286. Preferably, a lubricant is disposed between the elliptical springclip 282 and the cam portion 288 so that the cam portion 288 slideswithin the elliptical spring clip 282, and the elliptical spring clip282 flexes to match the orientation of the cam portion 288 resulting inthe lock tabs 284 being selectively extended and retracted.

Now referring to FIGS. 46 and 47 , a weight member 290 includes a weightbody 292 that is similar to that of weight member 250, a pair of springclips 294, lock tabs 296, and a locking member 298. The spring clips 294are mounted in weight body 292 so that they extend across the cavityformed by weight body 292 and abut the sidewall of a cam portion 300 ofthe locking member 298. The cam portion 300 is configured to rotatewithin the weight body while in sliding abutment with the spring clips294. Each lock tab 296 is fixed to one of the spring clips 294 so thatas the spring clip 294 is allowed to flex, the lock tab 296 movesradially with the spring clip 294. The lock tabs 296 are disposed inapertures 302 of the side wall 262 of weight body 292 and areconstrained to move radially relative to the weight body 292.Preferably, a lubricant is disposed between the spring clips 294 and thecam portion 300 and the cam portion 300 is in sliding abutment with thespring clips 294. The spring clips 294 flex radially as the lockingmember 298 rotates, and in particular, the lock tabs 296 are extendedwhen a major axis of the generally elliptical cam portion 300 is alignedwith the lock tabs 296. Conversely, the lock tabs are pulled inward andretracted by the spring clips 294 when a minor axis of the ellipticalcam portion 300 is aligned with the lock tabs 296.

While it is apparent that the illustrative embodiments of the inventiondisclosed herein fulfill the objectives of the present invention, it isappreciated that numerous modifications and other embodiments may bedevised by those skilled in the art. Additionally, feature(s) and/orelement(s) from any embodiment may be used singly or in combination withother embodiment(s) and steps or elements from methods in accordancewith the present invention can be executed or performed in any suitableorder. Therefore, it will be understood that the appended claims areintended to cover all such modifications and embodiments, which wouldcome within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A golf club head, comprising: a club head bodyincluding a face defining a ball-striking surface, a sole, a crown, anda skirt, wherein said sole extends aftward from a lower edge of saidface, wherein said crown extends aftward from an upper edge of saidface, and wherein said skirt extends between said sole and said crownaround a perimeter of said club head body; a weight mount disposed onsaid club head body, wherein said weight mount includes an aperturedefined by an outer surface of said club head body; and a weight membercomprising a weight body, at least one lock tab, and a lockingmechanism, wherein said weight body includes a cavity configured toreceive at least a portion of said locking mechanism and at least aportion of said at least one lock tab, wherein said weight body includesa sidewall having at least one aperture, wherein said locking mechanismis rotatably coupled to said weight body, wherein said locking mechanismhas a substantially elliptical shape and includes a cam surface on anouter periphery, wherein said at least one lock tab includes a first endproximate said cam surface and a second end opposite said first end,wherein in a locked configuration a major axis of said locking mechanismis aligned with said at least one lock tab such that said at least onelock tab protrudes from said at least one aperture in said sidewall andsecures said weight member within said weight mount, and wherein in anunlocked configuration a minor axis of said locking mechanism is alignedwith said at least one lock tab such that said at least one lock tab isretracted inward toward said cavity of said weight body and said weightmember is removable from said weight mount.
 2. The golf club head ofclaim 1, wherein said first end of said at least one lock tab isattached to a spring to bias said at least one lock tab toward said camsurface.
 3. The golf club head of claim 2, wherein said spring ismounted to said weight body.
 4. The golf club head of claim 2, whereinsaid spring surrounds said cam surface and said locking mechanism isconfigured to rotated within said spring.
 5. The golf club head of claim1, wherein said at least one lock tab is biased toward said cam surfaceby magnetic force in said unlocked configuration.
 6. The golf club headof claim 5, wherein said locking mechanism includes at least onemagnetic insert at said cam surface in line with said minor axis.
 7. Thegolf club head of claim 5, wherein said at least one lock tab includes amagnetic insert at said first end.
 8. The golf club head of claim 1,wherein said at least one lock tab is tapered such that said first endhas a dimension greater than said second end.
 9. The golf club head ofclaim 1, wherein said locking mechanism has at least one flat portionalong said cam surface.
 10. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein saidlocking mechanism includes a tool engagement feature configured toreceive a tool to rotate said locking mechanism relative to said weightbody.
 11. A weight member, comprising: a weight body having an internalcavity, said weight body including a sidewall having an aperture; alocking mechanism rotatably coupled to said weight body and at leastpartially enclosed within said internal cavity, said locking mechanismhaving a cam surface on an outer periphery; and a lock tab at leastpartially enclosed within said internal cavity, said lock tab having afirst end proximate said cam surface and a second end opposite saidfirst end, wherein in a locked configuration said lock tab protrudesfrom said aperture in said sidewall, and wherein in an unlockedconfiguration said lock tab is retracted inward toward said internalcavity.
 12. The weight member of claim 11, wherein said lock tab isbiased toward said cam surface by a spring.
 13. The weight member ofclaim 11, wherein said lock tab is biased toward said cam surface bymagnetic force.
 14. The weight member of claim 11, wherein said lockingmechanism has a substantially elliptical shape.
 15. The weight member ofclaim 11, wherein said weight body includes at least one indicium,wherein said locking mechanism includes at least one indicium, andwherein alignment of said at least one indicium of said weight body andsaid at least one indicium of said locking mechanism corresponds to oneof said locked configuration and said unlocked configuration.
 16. Theweight member of claim 11, wherein said locking mechanism has a magneticinsert and said lock tab is made of a ferrous material.
 17. The weightmember of claim 11, wherein said weight body has a substantiallycylindrical shape.
 18. The weight member of claim 11, wherein saidlocking mechanism includes a tool engagement feature configured toreceive a tool to rotate said locking mechanism relative to said weightbody.
 19. The weight member of claim 11, wherein said lock tab istapered such that said first end has a dimension greater than saidsecond end.
 20. The weight member of claim 19, wherein said aperture insaid sidewall is tapered.